Messed-up Stuff

Herodias’s chance [to kill John the Baptist] finally came on Herod’s birthday.  He gave a party for his high government officials, army officers, and the leading citizens of Galilee.  Then his daughter, also named Herodias, came in and performed a dance that greatly pleased Herod and his guests. “Ask me for anything you like,” the king said to the girl, “and I will give it to you.”  He even vowed, “I will give you whatever you ask, up to half my kingdom!” [Mark 6.21-23]

It is difficult for me to get my head around what is described here.  I think perhaps it is a cultural thing, but, nonetheless, I don't get it at all.

As I consider the relationship between Herod and this girl, I have some questions.  First, was she actually his daughter, or was she his stepdaughter?  Based on the fact that the girl went for her mother's advice, I am inclined to think she was Herod's stepdaughter.

The next thing about this father/daughter relationship is the fact that she danced for them.  This is probably where my cultural ignorance is most evident, but it leaves me suspicious anyway.  What was this dance about?  How old was the girl?  And just what kind of dance would make a father or stepfather so very pleased that he would extend such an offer of gratitude?  I suspect less-than-righteous goings-on here!

But even with this potentially sickening scenario unfolding, still I consider the fact that Jesus and John were friends.  Jesus, no doubt, had John on his mind during this time but still He ministered to people.  I wonder if Jesus had thoughts at that time that He Himself was dangerously close to a similar fate as He too proclaimed a Message hard to bear by the established leadership?

Father, my thoughts today are a bit random, but somehow make me realize that we need to be busy about what You have put us here on earth to do.  And, I realize that there will still be messed-up stuff going on all around us - some of which could affect our lives in ways we hadn't counted on.